FCC Pledges Comprehensive Evaluation and Overhaul of Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts
In a move aimed at enhancing public safety during emergencies, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr has unveiled proposals to update and streamline the Emergency Alert System (EAS), Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), and the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS).
The plans for EAS and WEA include a comprehensive review of both systems to assess the need for structural changes and leverage the latest technology for improved efficiency and effectiveness. The goal is to modernise these systems, which are built on frameworks that are 31 years old for EAS and 13 years old for WEA, to better serve the public in today's rapidly evolving digital and mobile environment.
Regarding DIRS, the FCC will consider reforms to reduce the reporting burden while preserving the value of emergency response data. This means streamlining data collection processes to ensure resources are not diverted from critical emergency response efforts.
Chairman Carr also plans to advance his "Build America Agenda" and other policies this summer. Among these plans is a proposal to revamp the FCC's approach to the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) process. Carr claims that all three branches of the government realise that the NEPA process is broken, and a unanimous Supreme Court ruling has curbed NEPA litigation abuse.
The FCC's proposed NEPA reform aims to eliminate unnecessary reviews and accelerate others, following Congress's 2023 reform of NEPA and President Trump's directive to streamline NEPA processes. Carr has also promised to consider a proposal to reduce the time and cost of environmental reviews for network infrastructure.
Last year, the FCC created a new emergency event code for missing and endangered persons. This summer, the commission will vote to initiate a review of the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) to streamline its process and ensure its benefits outweigh its burdens.
The FCC will also conduct a major review of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) in August. The National Association of Broadcasters is pushing the FCC to expedite a rule change that would allow EAS functions to be performed in software.
The commission has been criticized for delaying the implementation of multilingual alerts in the past. However, the FCC's proposed changes suggest a focus on addressing such concerns and improving the accessibility of emergency alerts for all citizens.
Former Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed a plan that would require communications providers to implement cybersecurity risk management plans for EAS and WEA. The FCC's previous rule changes involving EAS and WEA and exploration of aspects of using the internet in alerting indicate a commitment to continuous improvement in these systems.
This month, the FCC will vote to eliminate 98 obsolete broadcast rules and requirements, further demonstrating the commission's commitment to modernising and streamlining its operations. These proposals aim to enhance public safety communication systems by leveraging modern technology and streamlining processes to improve response times and effectiveness during emergencies.
- The FCC plans to review and update the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) this summer, with an aim to modernize these systems and leverage the latest technology for improved efficiency and effectiveness.
- The National Association of Broadcasters is urging the FCC to expedite a rule change that would allow EAS functions to be performed in software, as part of the major review of these systems.
- Former Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has proposed a plan that requires communications providers to implement cybersecurity risk management plans for EAS and WEA, reflecting the FCC's continuous improvement in these systems.
- In response to criticism about delaying the implementation of multilingual alerts, the FCC's proposed changes indicate a focus on addressing such concerns and improving the accessibility of emergency alerts for all citizens.
